Current Session: November 2025
Dog Training Classes Open to the Public
Beginner obedience classes are held at the IDTC Training Space at The Shops at Ithaca Mall and are open to the general public. The normal progression through the classes is Puppy (if age appropriate), Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, Beginner 2, CGC.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above. Once the registrar confirms your spot in the class, you will be asked to provide vaccination information and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Preference is given to club members if they sign up within the first hour. Register using the link above. Once the registrar confirms your spot in the class, you will be asked to provide vaccination information and pay the fee ($110 for non-members, $40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check. Members may pay by PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the registrar, Marian Szebenyi.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
AKC STAR Puppy
Instructor:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies less than 1 year old. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies less than 1 year old. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
- Basic manners
- Attention
- Leash walking
- Handling/grooming
- Sit
- Down
Requirements:
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is necessary.
- Puppies must be 3-6 months of age at the start of the session.
- Puppies must have age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- If students want the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification, they will need to pass the evaluation and attend at least 6 of the classes.
AKC STAR PUPPY (4-9 months) / Thursdays @ 6:15pm
Instructor: Christine Stratakos, Assistant:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 23
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies less than 1 year old. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
Requirements:
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 23
Get your puppy started off on the right paw! This class is for puppies less than 1 year old. The class will follow the AKC S.T.A.R. puppy curriculum focusing on socialization, training, activity, and responsibility. Puppies will learn basic skills through positive training and games. Handlers will also learn how to properly reward their dogs, troubleshoot problem behaviors, and age-appropriate activity and socialization routines for their puppy.
Skills covered include:
- Basic manners
- Attention
- Leash walking
- Handling/grooming
- Sit
- Down
Requirements:
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is necessary.
- Puppies must be 3-6 months of age at the start of the session.
- Puppies must have age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- If students want the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification, they will need to pass the evaluation and attend at least 6 of the classes.
Beginner 1 / Wednesdays @ 7:30pm (FULL)
Instructor: Marian Szebenyi, Assistant: Meagan Terry and Diane Krause
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 22
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 22
Not sure where to begin to teach your dog new things? Start here! Beginner 1 is for puppies 6 months and up and adult dogs (no upper age limit) with no previous formal training. This class will introduce dogs to basic manners and self-control. Handlers will be introduced to effective canine communication, including rewarding and leash handling, and how to troubleshoot undesirable behaviors.
Skills covered include:
- Attention
- Sit
- Down
- Loose leash walking
- Recall
- Wait at a door
- Stay
- This is an introductory class, no prior training is required.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs should move to Beyond Beginner 1.
Beyond Beginner 1 / Thursdays @ 5pm (FULL)
Instructor: Jo Ann Molnar Kieffer, Assistant: Masha Fontes
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 23
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 23
Beyond Beginner 1 is a stepping stone class for dogs who recently graduated from Beginner 1 or Puppy Beginner before entering Beginner 2. The exercises begun in Beginner 1 will be solidified and made more challenging through distractions, new variations, and fun games. We will also add some skills like stand and heeling that have practical application and prepare you for more advanced training.
Beyond Beginner 1 is geared to help you and your dogs improve your skills and confidence in the following areas:
- Attention/focus
- Wait/ stay
- Recall
- Loose leash walking
- Being calm and comfortable around other dogs and people
Requirements:
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class or have completed Puppy Beginner.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 1, dogs move to Beyond Beginner 1 for more practice before going on to Beginner 2.
Beginner 2 / Wednesdays @ 6:15pm (FULL)
Instructor Eglantina Lucio-Belbase; Assistant: Jean Bonasera
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 22
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Beyond Beginner 2, Canine Good Citizen, or certain other members-only classes.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts October 22
In Beginner 2, you will build on the training and skills started in Beginner 1, Beyond Beginner 1, or Puppy Beginner to improve reliability and precision. Sit and down will be taught without lures, and at both the left side and in front of the handler, and stand will be introduced. Changes of pace and left, right, and about turns will be added to left-side loose leash walking. Distractions and distance will be added to recalls. Sit for exam and other new skills will be introduced.
Requirements:
- Dogs need to have successfully completed Beyond Beginner 1, or taken Puppy Beginner or Beginner 1 and been recommended by the Instructor. If you have had equivalent training elsewhere, please contact the Training Director for a placement evaluation.
- Dogs should be at least 6 months old at the start of class.
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations.
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
After successful completion of Beginner 2, dogs may continue on to Beyond Beginner 2, Canine Good Citizen, or certain other members-only classes.
Beyond Beginner 2 / wednesdays @ 5PM
Canine Good Citizen / NOT OFFERED THIS SESSION
Instructor
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class.
8 teams; 1 hour; 7 weeks
Starts
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which will be given at the end of this class.
Cornell Companions Therapy Dog / NOT OFFERED THIS SESSION
Instructor:
6 weeks, 8 dogs, 1 hour
Starts
Cornell Companions is Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine sponsored program where volunteers and their pets visit local hospitals, nursing homes, campus de-stress events, children with disabilities and reading programs. This course will help prepare humans and their dogs for the Cornell Companions therapy dog evaluation. Therapy dogs should enjoy calm interactions with new people, be relaxed and able to ignore other dogs in proximity (6-10 feet away), and should be comfortable visiting new places. Teams signing up for this class should be committed to becoming a therapy dog team and taking part in regular Cornell Companions visits. Prior to enrolling, please read the program FAQs or reach out to Janet Gray with any questions.
Skills covered include:
Requirements:
6 weeks, 8 dogs, 1 hour
Starts
Cornell Companions is Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine sponsored program where volunteers and their pets visit local hospitals, nursing homes, campus de-stress events, children with disabilities and reading programs. This course will help prepare humans and their dogs for the Cornell Companions therapy dog evaluation. Therapy dogs should enjoy calm interactions with new people, be relaxed and able to ignore other dogs in proximity (6-10 feet away), and should be comfortable visiting new places. Teams signing up for this class should be committed to becoming a therapy dog team and taking part in regular Cornell Companions visits. Prior to enrolling, please read the program FAQs or reach out to Janet Gray with any questions.
Skills covered include:
- Loose leash walking in a crowd
- Sit, Down, Stay, Recall with distractions
- Neutral reaction to other dogs
- Ignoring food distractions and dropped items
- Reacting calmly to wheelchairs, crutches, etc that may be encountered during visits
- Calm and positive interactions with humans, especially children
Requirements:
- Open to both IDTC members and non-members
- Teams should have taken classes through at least IDTC Beginner 2 level before enrolling in this class and working at a CGC class level
- Dogs should be comfortable going new places, be relaxed in proximity to other dogs, and enjoy calmly interacting with new people
- Dogs must be at least one year old and been owned by the current owner for at least 6 months
- Dogs must have rabies vaccination and other age appropriate vaccinations per their vet’s recommendations to take part in class. Additionally:
- A health evaluation, including fecal examination, and vaccination records will need to be submitted as part of the process to become a Cornell Companion
- Please note: Dogs being fed a raw diet are not currently eligible to be part of Cornell Companions
- Please note: IDTC can not accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes.
Beginner Drop-Ins / Saturdays @ 3:15pm
Instructor Claire Yager
1 hour; limited to 8 dogs per week
Starts Oct 25
This supervised practice opportunity is limited to students enrolled in the current session beginner classes (puppy through CGC). More information on weekly sign-ups will be emailed directly.
1 hour; limited to 8 dogs per week
Starts Oct 25
This supervised practice opportunity is limited to students enrolled in the current session beginner classes (puppy through CGC). More information on weekly sign-ups will be emailed directly.
Big Feelings / Saturdays @ 11:30am
Instructors: Jean Bonasera and Martha Goelzer
4 dogs, 1 hour
Starts October 25
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
Are you interested in signing up for a beginner class, but have a dog that loses his or her mind in the presence of other dogs or people?
The primary goal of this class is to give dogs an opportunity to habituate to the IDTC training space in a non-stressful way so that they will be comfortable in a group class situation and able to focus on and easily reorient to their handlers in the training space. More generally, the class is designed to strengthen a dog's ability to stay attuned to his or her handler while working on leash around other dogs. We aim to always keep the dogs in the class in the “think and learn” zone, and only gradually introduce the presence of other dogs, beginning with neutral dogs.
We will focus on exercises developed by Suzanne Clothier and Leslie McDevitt. The first class will be a handlers only class, then for each of the 4 weeks following we will work with 2 of the four teams in the class, alternating pairs. During each of those weeks new exercises will be introduced. The other handlers will observe and help with feedback of the working teams and may also have a chance to practice the mechanics of new skills with one of our neutral dogs. On the 6th and 7th week, we will orchestrate having the 4 dog/handler teams together in the space and use distance and gating to help keep dogs in the 'think and learn' zone as we work through skills together.
We will not be working with dogs that are aggressive to dogs or people. Dogs should be comfortable in a crate for 15 minutes at a time.
If you are unsure whether or not your dog is a good candidate for this class, please contact the instructors Jean ([email protected]) and Martha ([email protected]).
Students who submit a registration for this class will be contacted by the instructors for additional screening and information.
4 dogs, 1 hour
Starts October 25
Registrar: Linda Pacioretty
Are you interested in signing up for a beginner class, but have a dog that loses his or her mind in the presence of other dogs or people?
The primary goal of this class is to give dogs an opportunity to habituate to the IDTC training space in a non-stressful way so that they will be comfortable in a group class situation and able to focus on and easily reorient to their handlers in the training space. More generally, the class is designed to strengthen a dog's ability to stay attuned to his or her handler while working on leash around other dogs. We aim to always keep the dogs in the class in the “think and learn” zone, and only gradually introduce the presence of other dogs, beginning with neutral dogs.
We will focus on exercises developed by Suzanne Clothier and Leslie McDevitt. The first class will be a handlers only class, then for each of the 4 weeks following we will work with 2 of the four teams in the class, alternating pairs. During each of those weeks new exercises will be introduced. The other handlers will observe and help with feedback of the working teams and may also have a chance to practice the mechanics of new skills with one of our neutral dogs. On the 6th and 7th week, we will orchestrate having the 4 dog/handler teams together in the space and use distance and gating to help keep dogs in the 'think and learn' zone as we work through skills together.
We will not be working with dogs that are aggressive to dogs or people. Dogs should be comfortable in a crate for 15 minutes at a time.
If you are unsure whether or not your dog is a good candidate for this class, please contact the instructors Jean ([email protected]) and Martha ([email protected]).
Students who submit a registration for this class will be contacted by the instructors for additional screening and information.
Beyond Puppy / Thursdays @ 10:30am
Instructor: Stephanie Vonderlin, Assistants: Karen Netherton and Carol Henderson
8 puppies, 1 hour, 7 weeks
Starts Oct 23
This class will continue to build on the skills introduced in puppy class.
Requirements:
Teams must have already taken an IDTC puppy class and dogs must be under 1 year old at the start of the session.
8 puppies, 1 hour, 7 weeks
Starts Oct 23
This class will continue to build on the skills introduced in puppy class.
Requirements:
Teams must have already taken an IDTC puppy class and dogs must be under 1 year old at the start of the session.
Members Only & Advanced Classes
Advanced classes are open to members only. Members will be accepted in a class based on the order they sign up or priority listed below. Register using the link above. Once the registrar confirms your spot in the class, you will be asked to provide vaccination information and pay the fee ($40 for active members, $90 for inactive members) by check or PayPal.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the advanced class registrar, Linda Pacioretty. Some classes or special workshops will have a different registrar listed below. If you want to inquire about drop-in availability, please contact the instructor listed below.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
If you want to check whether classes are full, or have other questions about the application process, please contact the advanced class registrar, Linda Pacioretty. Some classes or special workshops will have a different registrar listed below. If you want to inquire about drop-in availability, please contact the instructor listed below.
More information about each class can be found by clicking the plus sign to the right of the title.
Competition Obedience: Utility Foundations / Fridays @ 7pm (FULL)
Instructor: Brenda Finnicum
6 dogs, 1 hour
Nov 21, 28, Dec 5, 12, 19
This class is intended for dogs training for AKC obedience competition. This class will teach the foundation exercises to set dogs up for future success with AKC Utility exercises. Exercises will be taught using shaping, modeling, luring, and targets.
Dogs will be crated when it is not their turn in the ring.
All students should read the AKC Utility exercise descriptions and find videos of them being performed on Youtube prior to enrolling in the class.
Requirements:
6 dogs, 1 hour
Nov 21, 28, Dec 5, 12, 19
This class is intended for dogs training for AKC obedience competition. This class will teach the foundation exercises to set dogs up for future success with AKC Utility exercises. Exercises will be taught using shaping, modeling, luring, and targets.
Dogs will be crated when it is not their turn in the ring.
All students should read the AKC Utility exercise descriptions and find videos of them being performed on Youtube prior to enrolling in the class.
Requirements:
- Dogs must be able to heel, accept a Novice Stand for Exam, do a jump, and have an understanding of position changes (sit, stand, and drop). These exercises do not need to be ring-ready, but the dog needs to have an understanding of the skill.
- Ideally dogs should be retrieval trained, but this is not required. We will not be teaching a retrieve in this class.
Fit Dog 2 / Mondays @ 5:30pm
Instructors: Becky Robinson and Nancy Almann
8 dogs, 1 hour
6 weeks, starts Oct 20
The AKC FIT DOG Level Two course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Silver Title.
This class builds off the skills learned in Level 1 Fit Dog. Skills covered include:
For Members or Non-Members
Requirements:
Must have completed Fit Dog 1 class.
8 dogs, 1 hour
6 weeks, starts Oct 20
The AKC FIT DOG Level Two course is designed to inspire dog owners to engage in fitness-related activities with their dogs. Learning new exercises will challenge the dogs mentally, build confidence, and enhance proprioception. At the end of class, teams can earn an AKC Fit Dog Silver Title.
This class builds off the skills learned in Level 1 Fit Dog. Skills covered include:
- Target hind feet
- Front foot target with duration
- Pivot over object
- Push up
- Stand and give a paw
- Leg weaves
- Walk backward to target
- Hind feet elevated with duration
- Pop ups
- Front limbs elevated with position changes
- Rear limbs elevated with position changes
For Members or Non-Members
Requirements:
Must have completed Fit Dog 1 class.
- This class is only for healthy dogs with no significant prior injuries or ongoing conditions.
- Dogs will be crated during class.
Intermediate Agility: Short Courses / Mondays @7pm (FULL)
Instructor: Marty Gold
6 dogs, 1 hour
6 weeks, starts Oct 20
We will be analyzing and running short sequences of 4-6 obstacles. These sequences will challenge the handler to consider and try various handling techniques.
Requirements:
6 dogs, 1 hour
6 weeks, starts Oct 20
We will be analyzing and running short sequences of 4-6 obstacles. These sequences will challenge the handler to consider and try various handling techniques.
Requirements:
- Teams must have agility experience equivalent to the IDTC Agility 1-2 goals found here.
- Dogs should be quietly crated when it is not their turn in the ring.
Agility 2 / Tuesdays @ 5:30pm (FULL)
Instructor: Abby Christman, Assistant: Marianne Montague
6 teams; 7 weeks; 1.5 hours
Starts October 21
Enrollment is limited to students in the September Agility 1 class.
6 teams; 7 weeks; 1.5 hours
Starts October 21
Enrollment is limited to students in the September Agility 1 class.
CPE Agility Trial RUles / 3 Tuesdays @ 7pm - open to nonmembers!
3 session CPE Agility trial rules seminar
7-8:30pm on Oct 21, Nov 4, and Nov 11
This is for people only, no dogs!
Price:
- FREE for active members
- $5 for all 3 sessions for non-members and inactive members
REGISTER HERE
7-8:30pm on Oct 21, Nov 4, and Nov 11
This is for people only, no dogs!
Price:
- FREE for active members
- $5 for all 3 sessions for non-members and inactive members
REGISTER HERE
Please note that IDTC is unable to accept aggressive or reactive dogs in our classes. If you are concerned that your dog is aggressive or reactive to people or other dogs, please ask your vet for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist.